Your portfolio is your visual resume. It says as much about you as your written resume. The portfolio provides an overview of your talents and abilities, and serves as your introduction to potential employers.

What should be included?

Resume

One complete project

Sample boards

Sketches

CAD drawings

Presentation skills

Drafting/Drawing

Programming

Models

Also: photography, painting, sculptures, and project statements

You must always be able to justify the existence of each piece in your portfolio. Everything should be planned for inclusion and not look as if it was tacked on. What does this work show about you and your capabilities? Only put in examples that you are strong in; if you are not good at perspective drawing, then leave that out. If you have other creative interests such as photography or sculpture, then include those. For every work included there should be a project statement along with a concept statement about how you solved the problem.

Other portfolio tips

Begin and end with your strongest work.

If possible, have an interviewer at a firm review it.

Keep up to date with technology. Use digital images as well as boards.

Rehearse what you are going to say about your work

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